Himbasha: Eritrean celebration bread recipe
Also known as Hembesha; Ambasha · Eritrean
Round lightly sweet celebration bread, often decorated with a scored wheel/sunburst pattern.
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What is himbasha?
Himbasha is a lightly sweet celebration bread from Eritrea and Ethiopia, where people also call it ambasha. Bakers flavor the round loaf with cardamom and score the top before baking, most often in a wheel with spokes. It comes out for holidays and special occasions, and with coffee.
Community recipe, measurements not yet verified. This method is compiled from traditional and family sources and hasn't been kitchen-tested by us yet. Treat the quantities as a starting point and adjust the berbere, oil, and salt to taste.
Method
- 1
Combine warm water, yeast and a little sugar; rest until foamy.
- 2
Combine flour, sugar, cardamom, salt, oil, raisins and yeast mixture; knead smooth.
- 3
Cover and let rise until doubled.
- 4
Press into round pan/disc; proof again.
- 5
Cut spoke/sunburst pattern, add seeds, bake at 175°C/350°F.
Common questions
Is himbasha Eritrean or Ethiopian?+
Both. People bake it in Eritrea and in northern Ethiopia. Tigrinya speakers call it himbasha; Amharic speakers call it ambasha.
What spice is in himbasha?+
Cardamom. This recipe adds raisins and black sesame as options, and some bakers use ginger or nigella seeds.
What is the pattern on top of himbasha?+
Cuts in the dough, made before it bakes, most often a wheel with spokes. Each baker cuts it a little differently.
Related recipes
Need the berbere or spices? Find a Habesha market near you, or read the Ethiopian and Eritrean food guide.
Find a market